FF: The Beautiful and the Condemned (Completed) - Page 55

One year later...

Days turned into weeks which turned into months. Before they knew it, the one year mark had come and gone. Rudra and Parvati had been married and lived in Lucknow for one year. Time had flown by so quickly that both of them hadn't realized it. Yet, looking back, so much had changed in the last year that they knew why they hadn't paid attention.

Rudra had become a much calmer person throughout the year. He still maintained his rough exterior and was still a bit temperamental, but the destructive, jallad Rudra was locked up. He found himself smiling more and even openly laughing on rare occasions. His relationship with Aman had become nothing less than brotherly. If one didn't know them personally, one would believe that they had grown up together. It was comforting to have someone like that it in his, as he was beginning to realize. It made him glad that while he had a relationship with Aman, Parvati had a close relationship with Pia. Not only had his personal life bloomed, but Rudra had been making great strides in his job. After working on security detail for Geetanjali Singh, VK Singh offered him a permanent position as head of security detail. He was now in charge of the junior guards along with protecting the entire Singh family, which consisted of VK saab, Geetanjali, their son Abhay and his wife Madhvi, and their grandson Rajiv. With more people to protect and manage, Rudra spent more hours in the week away from home. However, he always made time for Paro.

Parvati had grown accustomed to married life. She had made a distinct routine for herself within her household. Aman had even started forming a bond with her. He began joking around with her and often had he join him in teasing Pia affectionately. There were times when the two became quite mischievous, much to Rudra and Pia's surprise. However if they formed a bond, than Rudra and Pia were nothing less. It turns out that one should not battle with them unless they were ready for a war. The two were practically identical in their temper and naughtiness. It always made Paro forget that they had met not too long ago.

While Rudra was at work, she would spend some time in her home, but the rest of the time she was out and about. Paro would never go alone however; she would always be accompanied by Pia. It was Rudra's order that she never go anywhere alone. Parvati knew that even after a year he was still paranoid, but it had died down significantly since the beginning. There were times when his overprotective nature felt suffocating, however she knew that it was all because he cared about her and loved her. She also couldn't argue when Aman had given the same orders to Pia. It didn't bother either of them. It also gave her a reason to spend time with Pia, who had become like a sister to her. Lately, Parvati and Pia didn't go out and about, and there was a reason why.

Two months earlier, Pia had given birth to a son, whom she and Aman had proudly name Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu Singh. Abhi for short. The small child was a beacon of hope and nothing short of a miracle. During the early stages of pregnancy, doctors had warned Pia that it was highly likely that she would have some severe complications during childbirth. But Pia didn't falter in her position to keep the baby. Aman, who was still hesitant on putting his wife and child's life in possible danger, had no choice but to bow down to his wife's whim. During the entire pregnancy he fretted over her like a nervous aunt rather than her husband! Parvati followed her everywhere, even to the bathroom on occasions! Even Rudra, who came to consider her as a younger sister, made sure she didn't go anywhere alone or exert herself. Aman knew it was all worth it when Pia handed him their perfectly healthy son. The doctors had stated that Pia's recovery would take a little longer than usual, but there would be no unexpected problems. Aman didn't hear anything passed recovery would take a little longer than usual'. He had given Pia strict demands that she rest as much as possible and not exert herself until she fully recovers. She would've argued if Rudra and Parvati hadn't stood by Aman and supported him. Pia had no choice but to heed her husband's words.

After the Abhimanyu made his entry into the world, Parvati has asked Aman about his family and whether or not they would know about the baby. With a saddened face, he told her that his family didn't want any part in their lives. They already severed ties with him when he decided to marry Pia; there was no chance they were going to accept the child when half of his blood belonged to her. He didn't want to open old wounds. They had grown accustomed to living without them, and there was no point in it now. His family was now with Abhi and Pia, and they were all that mattered to him. That was the last time Parvati ever brought up the topic.

With orders for recovery, Aman asked Parvati personally to watch out for Pia during this time. She was all too eager to help. It was no surprise that Parvati adored Abhimanyu. The little boy giggled and gurgled at the mere sight of her. Parvati's eyes just lit up when she played with him. She love playing peek-a-boo with him because he would laugh every time. She loved stroking his soft skin and running her fingers through the little hairs that were on his head. Pia, who saw the unspoken bond between the two of them, told Parvati outright that she was going to be Abhi's mami-sa and there would be no arguments about it. The title made her emotional as she realized how much Pia considered her family.

When it came to the baby, Rudra remained aloof. It wasn't that he disliked children, it was the fact that he had never been around one before. He didn't know the protocol for handling kids. He was actually nervous when it came to Abhimanyu. Rudra didn't want to hurt him. One month after his birth, Parvati finally had enough of Rudra's doubts. She took Abhi and made Rudra hold him. Although nervous, his earlier fears melted once he held the infant in his arms. Everyone laughed as Abhi stared at the unfamiliar face before reaching out and touching Rudra's mustache. It always amazed him how small Abhi's hands were compared to his. The child was barely able to encompass one of his fingers.

Rudra had asked Aman how he felt now, being a father. To the inquiry, Aman had a blissful smile and stated that he would never be able to explain the feeling, but he never felt more complete than the moment he held Abhimanyu in his hands. The little child in his arms made Rudra wonder if one day he and Parvati would have a child of their own. He couldn't believe that he was thinking about having a child, let alone believing that he was now able to think about having one. But little Abhi, his so-called nephew, gave him a new sense of hope.

~

It was another bright and sunny morning. Rudra was sitting at the dining table, enjoying his breakfast prepared by his wife. He, as always, was taking a peek at Parvati as her back faced him. She was wearing a white, cotton ghaghra choli with a red dupatta. Her hair was still wet from the shower she had just taken. Even after a year, he couldn't help but admire her beauty. He turned his attention back to his plate as Parvati handed him his cup of tea. Rudra was dressed in black pants, a white button up shirt that was properly tucked in, and a black tie. He took the cup from her and drank it quickly, making sure not to drop any on his clothes. Once he finished, he placed the cup on the table and stood up.

"I have to go," he said. "Singh saab is expecting me."

Parvati huffed at the announcement. She hadn't even sat down to eat and he was already done and getting ready to leave. Rudra had been busy with work the last few days, so much so that he was fast asleep the minute he hit the bed. He barely talked to her, and she had hoped she would at least be able to exchange a few words with him at breakfast, but once again that was going to be out of the question. Rudra, who was fixing his tie, glanced in Paro's direction and noticed her pouting.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," she lied.

He stood in front of her, "You know you can't lie to me."

She glared at him angrily, "You're leaving already? You haven't spoken a word to me this morning, and when you do it's to announce that you're leaving."

"You've been busy in the kitchen and I had to get ready. I was eating and you were walking back and forth in the kitchen. Why are you upset?"

"I haven't had a decent conversation with you in days."

"I've been busy. You know I would never do it purposefully."

She pouted and folded her arms. Rudra sighed. He knew he hadn't spoken with her much these last few days, but he couldn't help it. His job had been tiring lately. It's not like he wanted to ignore her. But he knew it wasn't an excuse. Now that Paro was upset, he knew that she was going to have to make it up to her. Thankfully, his love for her overpowered his anger because he would've bursted otherwise. Getting angry wouldn't solve anything, she taught him that. Rudra slid an arm around her waist lovingly and used his other hand to lift her chin to look at him. When she looked at him, her anger immediately melted as she saw his chocolate brown eyes widen apologetically. Parvati didn't know where or when he learned that, but whenever he looked at her with those puppy dog eyes, her anger dissipated.

Rudra leaned in and whispered huskily, "Forgive me."

She sighed and relented, "Fine. I forgive you this time."

He kissed her lips and smiled.

Parvati rested her hands on his chest, "Don't do it again. Or else..."

He raised an eyebrow, curious but amused that his innocent wife was trying to threaten him, "Or else? Really? Or else what?"

Without thinking, she teased him, "Or else you'll come home and I'll be gone. I'll slip through your fingers just like that and make sure that you will never find me again. Then you'll regret behaving this way with me."

Rudra's smile faded and was replaced with a frown. His anger began bubbling as he grabbed Parvati by her shoulders and pulled her so close to him that their faces were inches apart. He was furious. As she replayed what she had just said in her mind, Paro's mischievous smile disappeared. She realized she shouldn't have said that.

In a deep, dark voice, Rudra growled, "Don't you dare say that again. Ever."

"Rudra, it was just a joke."

"I don't like jokes like that, Paro. I don't like the thought of you and I being separated. It wasn't funny."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't say something like that. I wasn't thinking when I said it."

He cupped her face with a sense of desperate urgency, "Promise me. Promise me you won't say anything like that again. Promise you won't leave. Ever."

"I promise, Rudra."

His rage calmed, but he was still upset. Rudra couldn't believe that she would say something like that. The mere thought of being separated sounded like the cruelest torture out there. The promise helped him, but the fact that she thought about that bothered him. He really hoped that she would never bring it up again. With a quick hug and kiss goodbye, Rudra left for work, promising that he will be home as soon as possible so he can spend time with her. Just her.

~

Rudra just finished speaking to the last of the guards that were guarding the VK Singh's home before ending work for the day. He had been working all morning as Geetanjali ma'am decided that she wanted to go buy new clothes for her grandson. He had been taking her everywhere she wanted to go, being her bodyguard and all. It was already late in the evening and he knew Parvati was most likely waiting for him. He promised he'd spend time with her tonight, and half the evening was already gone. Rudra knew he was going to have to pacify an angry wife when he got home.

He said his goodbyes to Singh saab and his family before leaving the property. As soon as the iron black gates closed behind him, Rudra's phone rang. The caller ID on his phone read Paro'. He answered the phone and began walking towards home.

"Paro I just left," he explained. "I'll be home soo-."

He was interrupted by the familiar, male voice on the other end of the line, "Well well well Rudra."

Rudra halted in his tracks. He froze. His heart was pounding in his chest. He looked at his phone once more to make sure he hadn't read the caller ID wrong. But he hadn't. Rudra put the phone back to his ear.

"Tejawat," Rudra growled.

Thakur-sa laughed, "It's nice to know that you recognize my voice after so long. How long has it been? A little over a year I believe, correct?"

Rudra gave a low growl. He couldn't believe thakur-sa had appeared out of nowhere after so long. That voice was etched into his mind after spending years with the man. He couldn't forget it even if he tried. As much as he was projecting his anger, Rudra was internally panicking. What worried him was the fact that Tejawat had Parvati's phone. He prayed it was only the phone that thakur-sa had.

The laughing stopped and Tejawat spoke seriously, "I never expected this from you Rudra, especially after everything I have done for you."

"Where is Paro?" Rudra asked firmly.

"You were working for me for so long. You must know that betraying me comes with a price. Unfortunately, I used to send those traitors to you. But you...you I will have to punish myself. Betraying me comes with a price Rudra Pratap Ranawat."

"Where is Paro, Tejawat?"

"Show some respect."

"...Where is Paro...thakur-sa?"

"Parvati can't come to the phone right now. She's a bit...tied up at the moment."

"Meaning?"

"Check your phone."

Rudra looked at his phone screen to find it light up and read that there was one new message. He opened it, only to have his blood run cold. It was a picture of Parvati, chained up against a wall in some dark unknown place. Standing next to her, holding her by a fistful of her hair, was thakur-sa. Rudra felt like he was going to be sick. He gulped as the fear began taking over. He couldn't believe this was happening. His worst nightmare had come true. After one long year, Thakur Param Singh Tejawat had finally found them...and he had Paro.

**********

...So you can pick up your jaws from the floor. Tell me what you think by leaving your comments and feedback below.

Next update: Very, very short, but straight to the point. Tejawat is back!

Thanks for reading!